June 28 EST: California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a bombshell defamation lawsuit against Fox News, accusing the network of knowingly broadcasting false claims about a phone call he had with Donald Trump in June — a move that escalates the long-running political and legal war between Democratic officials and conservative media.
Filed on June 27 in Delaware Superior Court, the lawsuit seeks $787 million in punitive damages, a number intentionally mirroring the Dominion Voting Systems settlement that forced Fox to pay the same sum in 2023. This time, Newsom says the stakes are just as high.
The Heart of the Dispute
At issue is a segment aired by Fox News host Jesse Watters, who reportedly told viewers that Newsom had lied about the timing of a phone call with former President Trump. According to the governor’s filing, the network aired edited video and false commentary implying that Newsom misled the public about when the call took place — all to paint him as dishonest.
Newsom insists the call occurred late June 6 or early June 7, shortly after mass protests erupted in Los Angeles in response to a federal immigration sweep. But on June 10, Trump claimed publicly that the call happened just “a day ago,” implying June 9. Fox then used that discrepancy, the lawsuit claims, to falsely portray Newsom as lying.
“Enough of Their Lies”
In a scathing statement accompanying the lawsuit, Newsom didn’t hold back: “Enough of their lies,” he said, calling on Fox to apologize on-air and retract the segment. He added that he would consider dropping the suit if those conditions were met.
Beyond monetary damages, Newsom is also seeking compensatory relief, a formal apology from both Fox News and Jesse Watters, and a court order barring future broadcasts of the disputed segment.
Fox Fires Back
Fox News quickly labeled the lawsuit a “publicity stunt,” vowing to file for dismissal and framing the action as an attempt to chill free speech. In its public statement, the network said it “intends to vigorously defend against this meritless attack.”
Legal experts say the case faces a high bar. Under the landmark Supreme Court ruling in New York Times v. Sullivan, public figures like Newsom must prove “actual malice” — that the defendant either knew the statement was false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.
Legal Stakes in a Shifting Media Landscape
The lawsuit revives themes from the Dominion defamation case, which rocked the media industry by exposing internal communications suggesting Fox hosts and executives privately doubted the 2020 election claims they aired publicly. That case settled just before trial.
Now, Newsom is trying to push Fox back into a courtroom spotlight.
The legal question ahead: Can Newsom show actual malice? Did Fox know or strongly suspect that Trump had misstated the timing of the call — and did they air it anyway to fuel a political narrative?
Political Voltage
This isn’t just courtroom theater. It’s deeply political.
Newsom has emerged as one of the Democratic Party’s most vocal defenders of institutional truth and media accountability, frequently sparring with right-wing networks and figures. The suit also lands amid Trump’s ongoing media crusade, as the former president pursues his own legal threats against outlets including ABC and CBS.
By invoking the $787 million Dominion figure, Newsom is not only emphasizing the seriousness of his allegations — he’s challenging Fox to take its editorial responsibility seriously again.
What Comes Next
The case will now move through pre-trial motions in Delaware, with Fox expected to challenge jurisdiction and the merits of the complaint. If it survives those hurdles, the battle could shift to depositions and discovery — potentially drawing more attention to Fox’s internal processes.
For Newsom, it’s a high-risk play — but one aimed at reclaiming ground in the media space where politics and perception collide.
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A former college-level cricketer and lifelong sports enthusiast, Arun Upadhayay brings the heart of an athlete to the sharp eye of a journalist. With firsthand experience in competitive sports and a deep understanding of team dynamics, Arun covers everything from grassroots tournaments to high-stakes international showdowns. His reporting blends field-level grit with analytical precision, making him a trusted voice for sports fans across New Jersey and beyond.
